Sometimes You Just Need to Energize What You Are Already Doing

RCS Influencer Jennifer Stone says that 2019 will stay the course for her organization but they will be turning up the energy.

In talking to our NWIR membership and leadership about 2019, we are seeing great things for the roofing industry this year. What are we going to do different? Not much, in fact, we are going to keep doing what we are doing, just lot’s more of it.

Having run a roofing company, I know that every year we are looking to do something innovative and improved upon. I believe in new ideas, trust me! However, sometimes you also realize that you are on the right track and need to continue current actions - just energize them. That is what we are finding in NWIR. Big time energy for 2019.

With the labor shortage, the roofing industry needs all help possible. One of our greatest pools to draw from are women. Construction is less than 5% women across trades, even less in roofing. Over this last year, we have launched our NWIR Career Center (powered by RoofersCoffeeShop®) and it features classifieds specifically for women. We know that we need to share the message of what a great industry this is and bring in more women. Watch for more on the career center and think about participating.

With that in mind we are also creating new opportunities playing on current success. In running any business, you always need to be developing strong relationships that will help grow your business. If you are not currently doing this then you need to be thinking about the important relationships, you can form to create success. Two groups that we are working with in small ways but plan to make big in 2019, are Purple Purse and Women Build. Both are incredible non-profits that help women in areas that we know the roofing industry can be of support; Purple Purse- financial support for survivors of domestic abuse and Habitat for Humanity Women Build - building homes for families in need. All spearheaded by women on our NWIR Board and the 32 councils across the country. That’s a powerhouse of energy looking to influence our industry and communities.

We also realized that we need to share the abilities and brilliance of the roofing industry overall. So again, we have strong communication practices in place, but we are going to take to the next level including increased story telling about the women in roofing and outreach to all construction trades. As we are recruiting women into our industry, we need to let them know that this is an industry that embraces diversity and is looking for women to join us on the rooftop, in the board room and everywhere in between. NWIR believes representation matters to draw and retain women into our trade.

I would hope that all roofing companies are looking at adding NWIR to their list of items to support in 2019. It could make a huge difference for your business, culture and the overall success and professionalism of the roofing industry.

Jennifer Stone is the Chair of National Women in Roofing and Pacific, Preferred Accounts Manager, Roofing Systems for Johns Manville. See her full bio here.